July review – summer sort of, kind of, almost arrives...and Old A’s remain about as consistent as the weather
August’s resplendent sunshine filters through the office window on a lazy Friday afternoon, leaving a reminder that it is actually the cricket season and there are four important league games and an almost as important curry night to be played out tomorrow.
The 1s (away) and 2s (home) take on Birkbeck College, while the 3s face Perivale and the 4s travel to GWR. There will also be some kind of club game on Sunday – format yet to be confirmed!
Old A’s began August with last gasp win at Hanwell in a 20/20 with James Munro milking (rumour has it James and Robbo have cow-milking jobs available in NZ for any members who’ve been adversely affected by the financial crisis) the bowling for 72, his first 50 since his arrival.
Let’s hope that’s a sign of things to come, as the unfortunate weather has meant the 2012 season has quite frankly struggled to get going – despite Trent’s heroic efforts to teach us to field in a flood. July saw the bad weather come to a thunderous head, with the 1st team having two consecutive matches called off and all four men’s teams unable to play on the 14th.
Great efforts also from Sean Lester and Carlene to provide us with match photos each week – if anyone else wants to contribute just send them my way: ollyswest@gmail.com.
The ladies enjoyed the best July of all teams, with consecutive wins against Hemel Hempstead, Potters Bar and Totteridge, before their game at home to Headstone Manor was abandoned due to rain...
There were plenty of other wins to highlight as the 1s (unbeaten in July) and 2s continued their gradual climb up the table. Clifford Pile took a bee sting during drinks but lived to tell the tale and take six-fer as the 1s picked up 10 points at Bessborough, before a less convincing performance saw the As settle for one point against Wycombe House. However early season recruit Jack Aspden finally came to the party with a flowing 61 not out, hopefully the first of many big scores for us!
Olly and Ali’s 2s beat top and bottom of the table with fantastic home performances against North London and West Harrow, before coming crashing down at Harrow St Mary’s last weekend. Andrew and the 3s managed one loss, one draw, one rain-off and a win (thanks to South Hampstead conceding) with some top-notch innings from the returning Marcus Maben. And the 4s remain in promotion contention despite a couple of heavy defeats...
The 1st team also managed to pull off a brilliant race night mid-month even though all games were abandoned that day, while the Jubraj and Chatsworth reported solid earnings despite the recession as Actonians showed our generosity stretches further than just to opposition bowling figures.
Finally, a reminder that CRICKET WEEK begins on 17th August, with four week day fixtures and Sunday game against the rugby section. Hoping we’ll be playing them at cricket, but bring your gum shield in case. Please put your availability on the website, there is no better chance to get some much needed time at the crease and propping up the bar.
See you all to celebrate four victories with a curry on Saturday evening!
Olly